-Farzad Hassan
Music is an escape from reality. It has evolved impressively throughout the years, shifting from genres to genres. However, the 2000s remain the benchmark for Bangladeshi music.
‘Artcell’ is one of the few names that would come to one’s mind when we are talking about nostalgic songs. After their formation in 2000 they released their first album অন্য সময়) in 2002. Oniket Prantor is the most famous song for every metalhead listener which spans 16:20 minutes; 16 minutes of mixed emotions.
In the 2000s, Bangladeshi rock music saw the development of heavy metal music as many subgenres emerged in the scene like: experimental, thrash, alternative, and progressive. The folk rock music advanced in the mid-2000s, when Bangla started composing Lalon songs as a band. The Lalon inspired folk rock commenced when they released their debut album “Kingkortobbobimurho” in 2002.The 2000s saw a rise in the genre of alternative rock in Bangladesh. A vibrant underground music scene was created that led to the rise of bands like Arbovirus, Stentorian, Stoic Bliss, Shironamhin and more. The efforts of these bands have transformed the music industry in Bangladesh. Big names in the music industry like the late Ayub Bachchu, Lucky Akhand and Azam Khan crossed over to contribute to this genre.
During the mid -2000s folk and alternative rock scene, few progressive metal bands were forming and performing in club shows in Dhaka. The progressive metal bands were inspired by the 90s heavy metal and 2000s experimental rock bands. They progressed a sound out of heavy metal, playing heavier riffs, faster basslines and double bass drumming, mixing with experimental rock. Their lyrics typically highlight anger about social injustice and hypocrisy and also write philosophical songs with softer tones.
Artcell was the band leading this genre and is responsible for popularizing it. Their first two studio albums, অন্য সময়) (2002) and Oniket Prantor (2006) have had a big influence in the 2000s heavy metal scene of Bangladesh. Alternative metal band Vibe also had a few progressive metal numbers in their album, “Chena Jogot” in 2007 and also “Dure Dure” in "Agontuk 1" which also included tracks from other rock bands like Aurthohin, Artcell. By the end of the decade, Artcell had stopped releasing albums, which triggered the decline of progressive metal and the increasing popularity of symphonic metal and experimental metal.
Extreme metal was mainly an underground genre, it got commercial success in Bangladesh in the late 2000s, when Powersurge and Mechanix took part in D-Rock Star 2008. These two bands were the main powerhouse of extreme metal of Bangladesh introducing thrash and groove metal to a wider range of audience.
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